Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, USA – October 19, 2023 – Laura Chapot (USA) is used to frequent trips to the winner’s circle at the Pennsylvania National Horse Show, and she returned there on Thursday evening, topping the $30,000 Welcome Stake.

Chapot’s victory came aboard Chandon Blue, an 18-year-old Oldenburg gelding that she has been partnered with for the past six years. The accomplished partnership was the very first entry in the class at the PA Farm Show Complex in Harrisburg, PA, and they easily navigated the track designed by Nicholas Granat.

Ultimately six additional entries joined Chapot in qualifying for the jump-off, but none would catch her and Chandon Blue’s time of 32.967 seconds.

Second place went to Ashley March (USA) and Magic Hoop with a time of 33.442 seconds.

Thaisa Erwin (AUS) and Hialita B finished in third with a time of 37.227 seconds.  

“’Charlie’ is a naturally fast horse, so I can really just rely on my plan and not worry too much about the rest of the players,” said Chapot of Chandon Blue. “I know that there were a lot of good horses coming behind me, so the idea was to just be quick and prompt at the jumps.”

Chapot concluded, “Any win at Harrisburg is always great – especially to win the Welcome Stake with that horse. He deserves it; he loves to try hard. He gives all his heart every time, so to win that class with him means a whole lot. He’s a special horse, and he’s getting older, so we savor every good round.”

Final Results – $30,000 Welcome Stake

1) Laura Chapot (USA) & Chandon Blue – 0 / 0 – 32.967

2) Ashley March (USA) & Magic Hoop – 0 / 0 – 33.442

3) Thaisa Erwin (AUS) & Hialita B – 0 / 0 – 37.227

Source: Press Release by Emily Randolph / Randolph PR for the Pennsylvania National Horse Show

Photos: © PNHS / Andrew Ryback Photography / Megan Giese Photography

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